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A duck, a sheep and a rooster were the first creatures to ever take a hot air balloon ride, in September 1783. The ride, launched by scientist Pilatre de Rozier, lasted only 15 minutes. In November of that same year, humans flew in the basket of a balloon for the first time. Today, festivals around the world celebrate the majesty of hot air balloons. Several festivals are held throughout the state of Washington, offering visitors the chance to see dozens of balloons take to the air while enjoying a fair-like atmosphere.

Great Prosser Balloon Rally

The Night Glow Show highlights the Great Prosser Balloon Rally. With the giants tethered to the ground at dusk, flames shoot up into the balloons to create a stunning contrast to the dark sky. The Balloon Rally is part of an activity-filled weekend in downtown Prosser, including the Harvest Festival, Farmers’ Market and the Street Painting Festival. The balloons lift off daily from Prosser Airport around 6 a.m.; visitors who arrive early may get asked to help the balloon pilots prepare for takeoff. This event was born after Ted Wirch gave his in-laws a balloon ride over Prosser. He told his pilot friends about the beautiful scenery and the Great Prosser Balloon Rally was formed in 1988--featuring 11 balloons. In 2010, organizers are hoping for 30.

The Harvest Festival features children’s activities (including pony rides), food vendors and displays of crafts, fine art and photography. The Street Painting Festival boasts local artists creating chalk masterpieces on the pavement. For a fee, you can buy a block and create your own art.

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede

Four balloons comprised the first Walla Walla Balloon Stampede in 1974. In 2010, almost 40 balloons will fill the skies. According to Walla Walla Info, the stampede is the Pacific Northwest’s longest-running hot air balloon festival. The pilots lift off at dawn each day, creating a colorful picture against a sky-blue backdrop. The Nite Glow, held on Saturday, lights up the night sky.

The stampede is part of a festival weekend at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds. Horse racing, classic cars, arts and crafts, music, antiques, food and pancake breakfasts round out the event. There’s also a spelling bee, a dance party and a walk/run.

Winthrop Balloon Roundup

Flying over the snow-covered ground is what drew balloonists to the Winthrop area in the first place, says Kurt Oakley, owner of Morning Glory Balloon Tours. The Winthrop Balloon Roundup lifts off annually the first weekend in March. The Roundup began in the late 1990s as a casual affair and it continues to maintain a casual feel. The 2010 event, which featured 18 balloons, was low-key, with very few formal activities, Oakley said, noting it’s more of a social event. Sometimes an art festival or running race will be tied to the Roundup. A highlight of the 2010 event was an appearance by John Ninomiya, who floats in the air wearing a harness and about 60 helium-filled weather balloons. The Roundup also has a Nighttime Balloon Glow held in the streets of downtown Winthrop. Unlike the Great Prosser Balloon Rally and the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, the Roundup offers balloon rides, but you must make reservations ahead of time. For the 2010 event, the ride spots booked up by the first of the year, Oakley said.

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About the Author

Ginger DeShaney started her journalism career as a reporter, photographer and travel editor before moving behind the scenes as a copy editor. She has worked at the "Chicago Sun-Times," "Boston Herald" and "Boston Globe." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

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